Dynamics of the E-Waste Behavior Globally

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the implications of the growth of e-waste, within the traditional conception of the Linear Economy, over time, and to deduce the potential reaction of society, by defining the model of its time of impatience. Method: For the development of the research, the logistic model of differential equations (Verhulst, 1838) and a theoretical model of finite difference equations associated with an empirical model of log-linear regression were used to analyze the growth prospects of e-waste, over time, when technological advances are estimated, as well as the potential reaction of society. Main results: The results show that there is a point of impatience in society that can be measured, as long as the specificities of each type of e-waste are known; and that the volume of e-waste grows exponentially over time, being influenced, in part, by the evolution of technology, considering the electronic products made available to society as a proxy, which is driven to consume, among other motivations, by functional obsolescence. Relevance/Originality: The results are important because they indicate that if there are no more rigid, efficient and effective regulatory measures, and if there is no paradigm shift in the production system, from extraction to final destination, there is likely to be a collapse in drainage systems, treatment and final disposal of e-waste on a global scale, with severe consequences for ecosystems, health, economic and social systems, greatly increasing our ecological footprint, thereby threatening the maintenance of life on Earth. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study contributes to the understanding of the behavior of e-waste and the influence of technology on its growth, as well as to the logical deduction of the society's point of impatience regarding the use of the materials that generate e-waste, reinforcing the originality of the research and promoting a deeper understanding of the topic.